Eltham Community of the Year

Hot on the tails of its 125 Jubilee, a movie and the world’s largest scone title the small South Taranaki town of Eltham is set to take out further honours with the news it has made the semi-finals in the Community of the Year Award.

The Community of the Year Award is just one of five catergories in the New Zealander of the Year Awards and Eltham made the top ten from 70 towns which were nominated.

The South Taranaki District Council nominated Eltham for the Award and Council CEO, Craig Stevenson says he was very pleased but not surprised that Eltham made it into the finals.

“We nominated Eltham because we wanted to acknowledge the great achievements by the people of Eltham over the last 12 months,” he says. “The town is experiencing something of a renaissance and that is thanks to the efforts of its residents and the town’s strong community spirit.”

South Taranaki District Mayor, Ross Dunlop, says that even if Eltham doesn’t win first prize, they are already winners in his mind.

“Like many small towns across New Zealand Eltham is a community which has faced serious economic and social challenges over the last few decades. But the community has come together to meet those challenges and over the last five years the town has become a unique destination shopping centre,” he says. “I love the way Eltham never lets a chance go by and makes the most of every opportunity to promote itself.”

Judging for the awards takes place on 7 December and an official Gala Awards Presentation Dinner will be held in Auckland on the evening of Wednesday 2nd February 2011.

The New Zealander of the Year Awards celebrates the incredible achievements of individuals, organisations and community groups who inspire others through their commitment, hard work and achievements.

ENDS

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